Kanoko Shibori

🟣 What is Kyo Kanoko Shibori?

"Kyo Kanoko Shibori" is a traditional Japanese tie-dyeing technique that developed mainly in Kyoto, and is characterized by its particularly fine and beautiful "kanoko pattern." It was named after the countless small tie-dyes that are evenly arranged on the surface of the fabric, which look like the white spots (kanoko) on a deer's back.

📜 The origin and history of Kyo Kanoko Shibori

■ Heian Period: Origins rooted in aristocratic culture

The roots of Kyo Kanoko Shibori can be traced back to the **Heian Period (from 794)**.

The costumes and furnishings worn by the upper classes (court nobles and aristocrats) at that time were dyed and woven using tie-dyeing.

Descriptions of tie-dyeing can also be found in ancient documents such as the Engishiki and Shozoku Ruiten.

■ Muromachi to Edo Period: Rapid development of technology

It developed in earnest from the **Muromachi Period to the early Edo Period (15th to 17th centuries)**.

Kyoto craftsmen created extremely intricate and gorgeous "kanoko patterns" against the backdrop of the advanced hand-sewing techniques and development of silk fabrics at the time.

In particular, Kyo Kanoko Shibori gained popularity as a **"luxurious and elegant tie-dye"**, as it was used on the kimonos of consorts and women in the Ooku.

■ Mid-Edo period: The period of completion and the establishment of a division of labor

In the mid-Edo period, the technique was further refined, and a variety of techniques (such as sewing, rolling, and hat-tying) appeared.

At the same time, a group of artisans specializing in tying and a division of labor were established in Kyoto, and the "Kyoto Kanoko tying brand" became known nationwide.

The Kyo Kanoko Shibori production process is a highly advanced, delicate, time-consuming and labor-intensive craft. Below we will introduce the main production steps in an easy-to-understand manner.

🧵 Kyo-Kanoko Shibori Production Process (Representative Example: Hikita Shibori)

① Drawing (Moyo-zuke)

A sketch of a pattern based on the finished design is drawn on the kimono fabric using ink or blue flowers.

This process is very important as it will be the overall blueprint.

② Stitching (Preparation for Sewing)

Fine stitches (basting stitches) are applied by hand along the sketch.

These stitches will become the "skeleton" of the part that will be tied later.

③ Tie-tying (Kukuri)

The stitches are tied. This is the process to create small round patterns called **grains**.

This is an ultra-fine process that requires skilled techniques to tie hundreds to thousands, and in some cases more than 10,000 grains, evenly with a single thread.

Representative tie-tying techniques: Hikita Shibori, Makiage Shibori, Hat Shibori, etc.

④ Dyeing

The tied fabric is dyed in one or multiple colors.

The dye does not soak into the tied parts, so they remain white and the pattern emerges.

*High-quality fabrics may be dyed by hand to add a delicate gradation.

⑤ Unraveling

All threads are unraveled from the dyed fabric.

At this moment, a beautiful grain-like pattern appears, and the three-dimensional texture unique to tie-dyeing emerges.

⑥ Steaming, hot water, and finishing

The fabric is steamed to set the dye, and then the fabric is smoothed by hot water finishing.

Finally, a tailor will make it into a kimono, obi, etc.

“A Thousand Years in a Single Thread.”
　— The legacy of Kyoto, stitched one knot at a time.

BUNZABURO’s Shibori: A Fusion of Tradition and Artistic Innovation

On this beautifully curated page from BUNZABURO—the Kyoto-based artisan brand founded in 1925—you’ll discover the timeless craft of Shibori, a traditional Japanese resist dyeing technique.

The page offers clear visual and written explanations of various Shibori methods, such as Bai shibori, Itajime, and Manmaru, each with its own distinct patterns and cultural roots. Readers can also explore the full production process—from design sketching and binding to dyeing and finishing—highlighted with archival photos and artisan insights.

Perfect for craft lovers, textile designers, or anyone interested in Japanese aesthetics, this page celebrates Shibori as a living art that continues to evolve through the hands of modern creators.

🔗 Learn more about Shibori

A Gateway to Kyoto’s Traditional Crafts

The "Kougeihin – Kyoto Prefecture" page is an official portal that showcases the traditional crafts of Kyoto, one of Japan’s most culturally rich regions. From Nishijin textiles and Kyo-yaki ceramics, to Kyo-yuzen dyeing and Kyoto dolls, each craft is introduced with background stories, unique characteristics, and explanations of production techniques.

The site also lists artisan workshops and studios, making it a valuable resource for visitors, researchers, and businesses interested in Japanese craftsmanship.

Perfect for those seeking to explore the artistry and heritage behind Kyoto’s centuries-old traditions.

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